In their creative video, BibleProject explained what Jesus meant by “the last will be first” in Matthew 20:16. It’s amazing how God thoughts and ways are higher! It’s amazing how God’s thoughts and ways are higher than human wisdom!
The Last Will Be First
In Matthew chapter 20, Jesus shared a parable to His disciples about “the Workers in the Vineyard.” Through that story, the Lord taught them that “the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Now, what did Jesus really mean by it?
BibleProject. (Screenshot). (2022). What Jesus Meant, Retrieved September 11, 2023 from: https://youtu.be/n-UenIDevpI
One of the creative visual stories shared by BibleProject on their YouTube channel explained the heart of God behind it. The video begins with explaining how humanity values “the right of the firstborn” during the Old Testament times.
According to the BibleProject, the birthright tradition of passing the power and inheritance to the firstborn son is evident “throughout human history.” It wasn’t just practiced by those in authority, but also among ordinary families. However, the firstborn sons often abuse their power for personal gain often leading to violence and conflict.
How God Overturns The Cultural Norm
According to the Bible, God hasn’t always favor the firstborn son. In fact, “in the story of the first two brothers, God elevates the second-born, Abel, over Cain,” the firstborn.
Later, God demonstrated this again when He chose to bless and give all the inheritance to Abraham’s second son, Isaac, instead of Ishmael. God also promised a blessing to Isaac’s younger son, Jacob. The promise was that “Jacob will have authority over his older brother Esau and inherit God’s blessing.”
The pattern continued throughout generations until the time of Jesus.
“God consistently challenges human-made systems of power and value that tend towards abuse,” BibleProject explained. “And He turns them upside down.”
When Jesus came, He demonstrated that the real power and authority is when we serve others.
Watch the full video below!
Reference | BibleProject
Header Image: Clem Onojeghuo. (Photographer). (2016). person running on concrete road, Retrieved September 11, 2023 from: https://unsplash.com/photos/Apj4nSemkzk
